Today's Opinions

The West Las Vegas school board is doing the right thing in reconsidering its previous decision to close Union Elementary School. As the best-performing school in the district, Union should not only remain open, but it should be held up as an educational model for other schools in the district.

Ever have a day when anything you attempt to help brighten things falls flat? That’s the story of my life.

Here’s how:

I often try to reach people through humor. I don’t mean that I see life as an interminable joke-fest but merely that I believe in the therapeutic qualities of laughter. And if that’s true, my students of more than 40 years ago have to be healthy. There are limits, and on occasion I’ve needed to make sure the person with whom I attempted the humor is comfortable. It’s also a joy, not to mention flattering, when the recipient of my humor pays me back in kind.

I just read John Loehr’s “To the Point” submission “Autumn and a perilous American prospect,” of three weeks ago. This was my third or fourth reading, and I am more impressed each time I look at it. John’s insights are cogent and his predictions thought provoking.

I received my property tax bill and, knowing there was an “error” made by East that would affect the bill, was still appalled at a 40 percent hike. This is an unconscionable assault on innocent citizens, especially those on low or fixed incomes, who must budget all year to pay their property taxes and who cannot have prepared for such a usurious increase.

President Obama made it clear in his 2008 campaign: He didn’t want to pursue those using marijuana for medical purposes where it’s legal. And after he took office, the Justice Department announced a policy reflecting the president’s position.

I belong to Facebook, as do many others in Las Vegas. Social networking has transformed how we relate to one another.
But sometimes sites such as Facebook and MySpace can get us in trouble. That became apparent for a young woman who testified in Magistrate Court last week.

The case involved Brenda Parks, 41, who was accused of attacking a 17-year-old at a party. Parks’ husband, Ray Parks, 43, Robertson High School’s girls soccer coach, also allegedly took part in the dust-up.

NECESSARY DISMISSAL. Yes, the presumption of innocence until proven guilty applies to all, including Ramon Montoya, the Mora County Sheriff’s Department transport officer who is accused of getting drunk and passing out alongside Interstate 25. He deserves his day in court. But his employer isn’t obligated to wait until the judicial system reaches a verdict, and was therefore justified in firing him after an internal investigation.

A thought to ponder:
I am a veteran, and a veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life. Regardless of personal political views, that is an honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer remember that fact.
Benito Duran
Las Vegas
U. S. Army 1972-1992